The Red Sox, over the years, have had many prospects that have been hyped up. Some have delivered massively, such as Roger Clemens. Others have not, like Lars Anderson. But no group was hyped more all in the same year than last year’s minor league group. The Red Sox had the third highest-ranked farm system going into the 2025 season. And they had a pretty good farm system overall. But there were three big names drawing all the attention.
Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell were seen as Boston’s “Big Three,” the first time the Red Sox had that sort of group since 2016 (Andrew Benintendi, Yoan Moncada, and Rafael Devers). All three made their MLB debuts with Boston last season, and the results were varying. With Mayer being the only one active currently, the question begs: so far into their (admittedly early) careers, was this group overhyped, or should more time be given?
Boston’s Big Prospects: Early, Or Too Much Hype?
Kristian Campbell
Campbell was the first of the three to make his major league debut. He was selected with a fourth-round pick in the 2023 MLB draft and quickly climbed through the ranks, being listed as the 2024 Minor League Player of the Year. After posting a slash line of .330/.439/.558 across three levels (Single A, Double A, and Triple A), he was invited to spring training in 2025, subsequently being called up after.
He got off to a very hot start once the season started. At the end of April, he was awarded the American League Rookie of the Month award, having a slash line of .301/.407/.495. The season seemed promising for the newcomer. But that is where the good times ended. He struggled after the success, ending his 2025 season in mid-June with a .221 average, six homers, and 21 RBIs. He would be sent down to Worcester for the rest of the year.
Some thought he may be an option for this year as utility infielder Romy Gonzalez went down with an injury. But that did not end up being the case. In 2026, still in Triple A, he’s hitting .216 with two homers and 21 RBIs, similar statistics to his stint in Boston. And as of now, the Red Sox middle infield group is just too crowded. Post deadline, depending on moves, there could be a chance to come back up if he turns it around. But it seems unlikely as of now.
Marcelo Mayer
Mayer was one of the highest-selected players in the Red Sox organization ever, being drafted at number four overall in 2021. After what seemed like built-up hype forever, he made his debut in May of 2025, taking over at third base for an injured Alex Bregman. But his bat didn’t really translate well, hitting .228 with four homers and 10 RBIs. But his glove work was well above average at third. He only had one error in nearly 250 innings at third in ‘25.
This season, despite early debate on whether he would even make the Opening Day roster, he has been a mainstay in the infield. He’s mostly played at second base, but with Trevor Story with the IL, he has been spending time at shortstop as well, the position he was drafted at. Batting wise, it’s somewhat of the same. As of June 18th, he’s played 20 more games than in his rookie year (64 vs. 44, respectively). But he’s got more RBIs, one less homer, and one less double. The problem offensively is that he’s batting. 218. Defensively, he’s gotten far more opportunities at second base and has put up a .987 fielding percentage (above league average).
Marcelo Mayer can play defense. 👀 pic.twitter.com/wfWJkdK3Wa
— Savage (@Savageboston) April 26, 2026
While not exactly being able to play his natural position full-time, his glove work is pretty good. As mentioned, the problem is his bat, but when the whole team’s struggling, it’s a little hard to catch on fire. That being said, since he was brought up in trade rumors recently, it’s tough to say exactly what the problem is. Is it him, or is it the coaching staff?
Roman Anthony
That leaves Roman Anthony. The most hyped up Red Sox prospect since Mookie Betts, Anthony was drafted back in the second round of 2022. Ranking as high as the number one prospect in all of baseball, his hype seemed to culminate when he hit a nearly 500-foot grand slam on June 7th, 2025. Two days later, he made his debut for Boston, becoming a major contributor to help their season turnaround.
Before the call up, the Red Sox sat at 32-36. They proceeded to go on a 57-37 run the rest of the season. Anthony played his role well, hitting .292 and hitting eight homers while driving in 32. However, he also drew 40 walks and had an amazing .396 on base percentage. He was originally hyped up for his hitting, and despite an injury that kept him out of the Wild Card Series, he had made his impact on this team.
But 2026 was a different story. He struggled at the plate, he had some bad errors at the beginning of the season, and then came the mysterious injury news. What was a sprained ring finger became a torn ligament in his finger as he continues to try to swing but still feels discomfort. Also, post Devers trade, there was a major question of where the Red Sox’s power would come from this year. Many eyes turned to Anthony to see if he could massively improve.
It’s understandable why people did, but it’s also worth noting that Anthony is only 22 years old. To be putting the faith of the franchise in the hands of a 22-year-old seems a little unfair, even if he had just finished 2025 as a Rookie of the Year finalist. It’s almost as if the 500-foot homer made everyone believe that this kid would fix everything immediately.
Roman Anthony just hit a 500 foot grand slam in Triple-A 😳 pic.twitter.com/9KZGj6ocAP
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 8, 2025
The Last Word: Too Much Hype or Too Early?
Now, it’s almost necessary to express that one and a half years is not nearly enough time to judge whether a professional athlete is a boom or a bust type of prospect. That’s the case in any sport, not just baseball. But there has been a dialogue around the three and whether or not these three are busts or not this early on.
It’s clear to see why people think that. Campbell got an extension shortly after being brought up. The same thing happened with Anthony as well. Giving star minor league players who are unproven at the majors is a little sketchy, especially when one gets sent back down.
Overall, it’s a case-by-case basis.
- Campbell: Too much hype. Based on how he’s performing post-Boston while back in Worcester, there was a little too much.
- Mayer: Slightly too much. Decent player but seems to be best when on defense. Next year will be the real test, with an entirely new staff.
- Anthony: Slightly overhyped, but not his fault. Between fan expectations and injuries, it’s hard to see him being that guy just yet. He will be a solid player when healthy, though.
While all of them still have time to improve, it’s something to keep an eye on for future prospects like Franklin Arias and Anthony Eyanson. Although very good and getting hype in the minors, so did these three. And look how discourse around them is now. Nevertheless, hope is still there that they can turn it around soon.
Main Image Credit: WooSox Photo/Ashley Green / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
